CalTrout and Trout Unlimited host third annual Casting Call at California Capitol

Ice cream and Chinookie Cookies weren’t the only attraction at the Third Annual CalTrout/Trout Unlimited Casting Call, held June 19 on the North Lawn of California’s Capitol Grounds.

“The goal was to highlight the challenges faced by our declining native trout, steelhead and salmon populations,” said CalTrout Conservation Director Curtis Knight.

“I think we did great.”

Casting was the game, but awareness was the goal.

The Casting Call is designed to focus attention on California’s diverse trout, salmon and steelhead populations, 65% of which could be extinct in 100 years (California has more species of trout, salmon and steelhead than any state save Alaska).

Casting tips were offered to everyone in attendance, and a friendly fly casting competition broke out between Republican and Democratic legislators (no word on a winner).

The legislators who attended the 2012 Casting Call

While this even focuses attention on critical issues facing California’s native trout, steelhead and salmon, our legislative agenda for 2012 includes:

1. Pass the Coho Bill AB 1961 (Huffman). This policy will provide new and critically needed tools for restoring California’s coho salmon populations.

2. Implement the California Fish and Wildlife Strategic Vision for a more efficient and improved
   Department of Fish and Game. Pass SB 1148 (Pavely) and AB 2402 (Huffman).

3. Fully fund and implement the historic Klamath River Settlement Agreements to enable dam
   removal, fisheries restoration and community sustainability.

4. Implement the San Joaquin River Settlement Agreement to restore salmon and flows.

5. Permanently protect the California Salmon Strongholds where salmonid diversity is still high and habitat conditions are reasonably intact.

6. Empower the Department of Fish and Game’s Heritage and Wild Trout Program.

7. Educate Californians about the economic, ecologic, and cultural importance of trout, steelhead, and salmon.

8. Promote a progressive Central Valley Flood Protection Plan to ensure public safety and promote salmon and steelhead restoration.

9. Assist local watershed groups, water providers, agricultural interests, and other stakeholders to develop solutions that enhance and protect California’s water resources.

The Casting Call was held on the state capitol grounds.